Defending Bodily Autonomy: Shielding Reproductive Health and Gender-Affirming Care

WHEREAS, the AFT holds that healthcare is a fundamental human right, and that clinical decisions must remain between patients and their healthcare providers without political or legal interference; and

WHEREAS, since the 2022 and 2025 resolutions on reproductive and LGBTQIA+ rights, an escalating landscape of restrictive state laws has created "healthcare deserts" and heightened legal jeopardy for both patients and the professionals who care for them; and

WHEREAS, state-level "shield laws," such as those enacted in Oregon, provide a vital blueprint for protecting healthcare providers, patients, and those who assist them against out-of-state subpoenas, civil litigation and criminal prosecution related to legally protected health services; and

WHEREAS, sexual health services, including reproductive and maternal care; contraception and abortion; HIV/STI screening, prevention, and treatment; and gender-affirming care, are essential and evidence-based. These services are vital to the physical and mental well-being of our members and the communities they serve; and

WHEREAS, so‑called conversion therapy is not evidence‑based; has been widely discredited by major medical organizations; and poses significant harm to patients, particularly LGBTQIA+ youth; and

WHEREAS, social justice requires an intersectional approach that recognizes that restrictions on bodily autonomy disproportionately harm marginalized communities, including people of color, low-income individuals and the LGBTQIA+ community:

RESOLVED, that the AFT will formally update its policy to support comprehensive "shield" protections at the federal and state levels, ensuring that no healthcare worker, whether nurse, clinician or school-based health professional faces professional or legal retaliation for providing or assisting in sexual/reproductive or gender-affirming care; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will reaffirm its support for the full spectrum of reproductive healthcare for all individuals, including people of color, low-income individuals and the LGBTQIA+ community moving beyond gendered limitations to ensure that every person has the right to manage their own reproductive health and bodily autonomy; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will advocate for the inclusion of comprehensive reproductive and gender-affirming care in all employer-provided health insurance plans, ensuring these services are accessible, affordable and protected within collective bargaining agreements; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will collaborate with healthcare organizations and legal advocacy groups to provide members with resources on their rights under shield laws; will oppose the use of harmful non-evidenced practices, such as conversion therapies; and will resist any efforts to limit, criminalize or otherwise interfere with the delivery of essential, evidence-based medical care; and

RESOLVED, that the AFT will recommit its engagement in appropriate federal advocacy, in coordination with state affiliates and allied organizations, to advance and defend policies that protect bodily autonomy and access to essential, evidence‑based medical care.

Adopted July 19, 2026